Hallmark may be best known for its festive Christmas movies, but some of the best Hallmark films have nothing to do with the holidays. These feel-good movies still follow the network's tried-and-true formula that helped create all of your favorite holiday classics, but without the eggnog, Christmas carols and references to Santa Claus.
Whether it's making a holiday movie or not, Hallmark always manages to nab some of the biggest names for its films. While some of the best movies covered in our list feature recognizable Hallmark actors and actresses, many others have big Hollywood names playing the lead, helping attract more viewers.
You'll undoubtedly enjoy the Hallmark films starring popular actresses, including Julia Stiles of "10 Things I Hate About You," Lacey Chabert of "Mean Girls," Alexis Bledel of "Gilmore Girls," Bethany Joy Lenz of "One Tree Hill," and even Meghan Markle before she married into the royal family.
Whether you're in the mood for a movie about friendship, love or family ties, we've got you covered! We even threw in a few films with winter themes to help you get into the spirit of the season without any over-the-top holiday embellishments.
From older films to brand-new flicks, these are the most popular Hallmark movies based on viewer reviews.
'Dater's Handbook'
Hallmark Media/Liane Hentscher
Who's in it: Meghan Markle, Kristoffer Polaha, Jonathan Scarfe
Before marrying into the royal family, Meghan Markle was best known for her role as Rachel Zane on "Suits." While on the show, she starred in the 2016 movie "Dater's Handbook" alongside Hallmark regulars Kristoffer Polaha and Jonathan Scarfe.
In this fan-favorite TV movie, Markle plays Cassandra, a woman with a recurring habit of dating all the wrong men. To rectify the situation, she follows the advice of relationship expert Dr. Susie. After taking tips from her latest self-help book, "Dater's Handbook," she winds up with two potential suitors.
'Appetite for Love'
Hallmark Media/Sergei Bachlakov
Who's in it: Taylor Cole, Andrew W. Walker, Alley Mills
"Appetite for Love" is a romantic comedy starring Hallmark regulars Taylor Cole and Andrew W. Walker. Cole plays Mina, a corporate executive tasked with rebranding a diner in her hometown. After years of focusing on her career, she returns home to find that her high school sweetheart, played by Walker, owns the restaurant.
This 2016 fan-favorite Hallmark movie also features some familiar faces. You may recognize Alley Mills, best known for her role as Norma Arnold in "The Wonder Years." Viewers may also recognize actors Marcus Rosner, Antonio Cayonne and Michael Kopsa from many other beloved Hallmark projects.
'Love on Ice'
Hallmark Media/Shane Mahood
Who's in it: Julie Berman, Andrew. W. Walker, Ana Golja
While not a holiday movie, "Love on Ice" may still help you get into the spirit of the winter season, as it primarily focuses on ice skating. The story follows Emily, a former Olympic figure skater turned waitress and part-time instructor who decides to give professional skating another chance.
Emily, played by "General Hospital" actress Julie Berman, is further convinced to take a shot at a comeback when she meets her former student's handsome coach, played by Andrew. W. Walker. The 2016 fan-favorite also includes appearances by Ana Golja from "Degrassi: Next Generation" and Gail O'Grady from "NYPD Blue."
'Love Locks'
Hallmark Media/Eric Caro
Who's in it: Jerry O'Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Bruce Davison
Hallmark's 2017 romance "Love Locks" stars Rebecca Romijn as Lindsey Wilson, who returns to Paris with her daughter 20 years after completing her college studies in art there. Recently divorced, Lindsey reminisces about her first love, whom she met while in school.
Inspired by Paris' famous love locks placed by couples on its bridges, Lindsey reconnects with her college boyfriend, played by Jerry O'Connell. Other familiar faces include Bruce Davison, best known as playing George Henderson on "Harry and the Hendersons"; and David Julian Hirsh, who played Rabbi Dave Bloom in "Weeds."
'Love in Paradise'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Luke Perry, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Tom Butler
In Hallmark's 2015 hit "Love in Paradise," the now-late Luke Perry plays Avery Ford, a famous actor known for starring in Westerns. When his career begins to flounder, his manager sends him to a ranch in Montana to bring them more business while also getting his name back in the headlines.
Avery is outed as a phony after Heather Twain, whose family owns the ranch, discovers he knows nothing about ranching and that his cowboy persona is all an act. Canadian actress Emmanuelle Vaugier portrays Heather, best known for her role as Mia on "Two and a Half Men."
'A Dash of Love'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Jen Lilley, Brendan Penny, Peri Gilpin
Hallmark's food-centered love story "A Dash of Love" stars network regular and "Days of Our Lives" actress Jen Lilley. She portrays Nikki, an aspiring chef who lands her dream job at a well-known restaurant owned by a renowned chef, played by Peri Gilpin from "Frasier." There, she befriends a handsome executive chef, played by Hallmark regular Brendan Penny.
After Nikki calls out her boss for stealing her recipes and trying to pass them off as her own, she's fired alongside her new friend. Instead of letting it get them down, however, the duo creates a pop-up restaurant to prove their food is better.
'A Country Wedding'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Jesse Metcalfe, Autumn Reeser, Lauren Holly
"A Country Wedding" stars Jesse Metcalfe, who made a name for himself when he played John in "Desperate Housewives." The actor portrays Bradley Sutton, a country music star who visits the town he grew up in to sell his family home.
While simultaneously planning his star-studded wedding to a prominent actress, he reconnects with his childhood friend, played by Autumn Reeser, whom you may recognize from "The O.C." Other familiar faces include Hrothgar Mathews of "When Calls the Heart" and Lauren Holly of "NCIS."
'Royal Matchmaker'
Hallmark Media/Gabriel Hennessey
Who's in it: Bethany Joy Lenz, Will Kemp, Brittany Bristow
In Hallmark's 2018 movie "Royal Matchmaker," Kate gets hired by the royal family of Voldavia to find a wife for Prince Sebastian. The task proves to be more difficult than the professional matchmaker anticipated, as the prince has his guard up.
The film stars Bethany Joy Lenz, who rose to fame in "One Tree Hill" and has since made a name for herself on Hallmark. She stars alongside Hallmark regulars Will Kemp and Brittany Bristow.
'Unleashing Mr. Darcy'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Cindy Busby, Ryan Paevey, Frances Fisher
Another Hallmark movie fans love is "Unleashing Mr. Darcy," which offers a modern-day spin on "Pride and Prejudice." This 2016 hit stars Cindy Busby as Elizabeth Scott, who gets the show her dog in a New York dog show. While there, she meets the handsome judge, played by Hallmark favorite Ryan Paevey.
Elizabeth's lust is overshadowed by his pompous attitude and rude behavior that unfolds throughout the competition. Of course, there is more to Mr. Darcy than viewers are led to believe, and Elizabeth learns that he's not so bad. "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" features some familiar faces, including Frances Fisher of "Titanic," Tammy Gillis of "Sirens," and Ty Wood of "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina."
'Chance at Romance'
Hallmark Media/Jeremy Lee
Who's in it: Erin Krakow, Ryan McPartlin, Patricia Richardson
"Chance at Romance" stars Erin Krakow, best known for her roles on Hallmark, including her role as Elizabeth Thorton in Hallmark's period series "When Calls the Heart." Krakow plays Samantha, who stumbles across an art exhibit featuring photos taken by a handsome photographer. Sick of the local dating scene, she decides to shoot her shot with this photographer and sends him an email.
Unknown to her, the photographer's son intercepts the email and invites Samantha to their home to prevent his widowed father from falling for his unbearable business manager. The result is an incredibly awkward meet-cute with the photographer, played by Ryan McPartlin from "Chuck" and "L.A.'s Finest." Viewers may also recognize Patricia Richardson of "Home Improvement," Jean Louisa Kelly of "Uncle Buck" and Nadège August of "Ruthless."
'Autumn Dreams'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Jill Wagner, Colin Egglesfield, Rachel Hayward
Hallmark regular Jill Wagner stars in "Autumn Dreams" opposite Colin Egglesfield, best known for his role as Dex in "Something Borrowed." They play high school sweethearts Annie Hancock and Ben Lawson, who eloped as teens but were forced by their parents to annul the marriage.
Fifteen years later, while preparing for their separate weddings, Annie and Ben realize that a paperwork error means they're still legally married. When they reunite to fix this, they reminisce over their past and begin to reconnect.
'The Beach House'
Hallmark Media/David M. Russell
Who's in it: Minka Kelly, Andie MacDowell, Chad Michael Murray
Hallmark's star-studded 2018 romance "The Beach House" follows the story of Cara, who returns to her childhood beach house after losing her job. While reconnecting with her mother, Lovie, she finds her purpose and works to conserve local wildlife, specifically the area's sea turtles.
In addition to a new career, Cara finds love at the beach house when she runs into an old flame, played by Chad Michael Murray of "One Tree Hill." Viewers may also recognize the lead actress, played by Minka Kelly of "Friday Night Lights." Other familiar faces include Andie MacDowell, best known for starring in "Groundhog Day," and Makenzie Vega of "The Good Wife."
'Elevator Girl'
Hallmark Media/Justin Lubin
Who's in it: Lacey Chabert, Ryan Merriman, Jonathan Bennett
"Elevator Girl" is an older Hallmark movie that fans love to watch over and over. Released in 2010, it stars "Mean Girls" star Lacey Chabert and Ryan Merriman, best known for "Final Destination 3." Merriman plays Jonathan MacIntyre, an uptight lawyer who doesn't make time for a personal life, let alone a relationship.
That changes when he gets stuck in the elevator with his polar opposite, Liberty, a free-spirited waitress played by Chabert. However, when Jonathan learns that his new love interest has a long list of unfinished degrees and gets by working odd jobs, he wonders if he'd be better off dating someone more like himself.
'The Makeover'
Hallmark Media
Who's in it: Julia Stiles, David Walton, Camryn Manheim
Julia Stiles, who shot to stardom after the 1999 release of "10 Things I Hate About You," stars in "The Makeover" as Hannah Higgins. This 2013 Hallmark fan-favorite tells the story of Hannah, a highly driven professor whose run for Congress doesn't go as planned. Despite her Harvard degree, she doesn't have the persona to win over voters.
Instead of giving up on her push for education reform, she recruits a beer delivery guy, played by David Walton of "New Girls," to run instead. Despite his unpolished appearance, his friendly demeanor makes it easy for him to connect with people. After a makeover, Elliot becomes the perfect candidate in Hannah's eyes.
'Remember Sunday'
Hallmark Media
Who's in it: Alexis Bledel, Zachary Levi, Larisa Oleynik
"Remember Sunday" is a 2013 Hallmark classic starring Alexis Bledel of "Gilmore Girls" and Zachary Levi of "Chuck." Bledel plays Molly, a lonely waitress who believes things are looking up when she meets a quirky jewelry store clerk, played by Levi.
His odd behavior makes her believe he's hiding something from her, but it turns out her dream guy suffers from short-term memory loss. Other familiar faces in this movie include Larisa Oleynik of "10 Things I Hate About You," Merritt Wever of "The Walking Dead," Barry Shabaka Henley of "Bob Hearts Abishola" and Jerry Adler of "Rescue Me."
'Royally Ever After'
Hallmark Media/Steffan Hill
Who's in it: Fiona Gubelmann, Torrance Coombs, Barry McGovern
If you're a fan of Hallmark movies that involve royal families, you'll love their 2018 film "Royally Ever After." Fiona Gubelmann, best known for her role as Dr. Morgan Reznick on "The Good Doctor," stars as Sara, a New Jersey school teacher.
After her boyfriend, played by Torrance Coombs, proposes, she learns that he's not a writer from England but the prince of a small country called St Ives. Now, on top of planning a wedding, Sara is tasked with proving to her future in-laws that she has what it takes to be a princess.
'All of My Heart'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, Edward Asner
Hallmark's 2015 hit romantic comedy "All of My Heart" stars Lacey Chabert as a young caterer who inherits a home in the country. She leaves her stable job and noncommital boyfriend behind to turn the house into a bed-and-breakfast. Upon arrival, she's surprised to learn that she must split her inheritance with a career-driven Wall Street trader, played by Brennan Elliott of "Cedar Cove," who has his own ideas for the home.
Despite their differences, the two learn to get along as they work together to renovate the house into something they'll both love. "All of My Heart" gained so much attention that Hallmark followed it up with two sequels, which are also on our list!
'Love on the Sidelines'
Hallmark Media/Sven Boecker
Who's in it: Emily Kinney, John Reardon, Luisa d'Oliveira
Emily Kinney, best known as Beth in "The Walking Dead," stars as Laurel in Hallmark's 2015 romantic drama "Love on the Sidelines." Whether or not you're a sports fan, you'll love this film about an aspiring fashion designer desperate for work. Despite knowing nothing about football, Laurel takes a job as a personal assistant to famous quarterback Danny Holland.
Played by John Reardon of "Hudson & Rex," Danny is stuck on the sidelines while nursing an injured knee and wants nothing to do with his clueless new assistant. Laurel convinces him to let her stay on a trial basis, but she has a lot to learn and even more to prove to her new boss.
'You Had Me at Aloha'
Hallmark Media/Zack Dougan
Who's in it: Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, Jennifer Aspen
A newer fan favorite is Hallmark's 2021 film "You Had Me at Aloha." When a TV network sees the banter between their producer Paige, played by Hallmark regular Pascale Hutton, and a new applicant, they decide to send them on assignment to Hawaii.
Despite being new to the company, Ben, played by Kavan Smith of "When Calls the Heart," clashes with Paige over ideas for their show. While in Hawaii, the co-hosts must learn to work together if they want to come off well on screen and advance their careers.
'A Royal Winter'
Hallmark Media/Gabriel Hennessey
Who's in it: Merritt Patterson, Jack Donnelly, Samantha Bond
Hallmark takes viewers on an exciting winter journey in the 2017 fan favorite "A Royal Winter." When Maggie, played by Hallmark regular Merritt Patterson, takes a last-minute trip to Europe, she runs into a handsome local. The two seem to connect, but things get complicated when she learns he's a prince about to be crowned king.
As with many romance movies involving royal families, Maggie must prove herself worthy to his family, who are against their son's romance with a tourist. Patterson stars opposite British actor Jack Donnelly, who is best known for his role as Jason on "Atlantis."
'Where Your Heart Belongs'
Hallmark Media/Courtesy Johnson
Who's in it: Jen Lilley, Christopher Russell, Jill Morrison
When Mac, a former small-town gal, must leave the city to help her childhood friend plan her wedding, she hopes she can avoid her ex, Dylan. However, because he is the groom's best man, she spends more time with him than anticipated, and old feelings resurface.
Hallmark's "Where Your Heart Belongs" is a 2022 release starring network regulars Jen Lilley and Christopher Russell. Viewers may also recognize the bride, played by Jill Morrison, from her small role as the character who inspired the line "She doesn't even go here!" in "Mean Girls."
'All of My Heart: Inn Love'
Hallmark Media/Kailey Schwerman
Who's in it: Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, Edward Asner
As promised, the 2017 sequel of "All of My Heart," starring Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott, has also earned a spot on our list of the best Hallmark movies. "All of My Heart: Inn Love" picks up where the first movie left off. Fans get to see the new couple thrive as they prepare for the grand opening of their new inn.
Their plans get derailed, however, when a big storm damages the inn's roof, forcing Brian to take a job on Wall Street so they can afford repairs. Between his long commute and the stress of running an inn together, their relationship begins to suffer.
'Winter in Vail'
Hallmark Media/David Brown
Who's in it: Lacey Chabert, Tyler Hynes, Constance Marie
If you can't get enough of Lacey Chabert, then you'll love her in Hallmark's 2020 hit "Winter in Vail." This time, Chabert plays Chelsea, an event planner who inherits a chalet in Vail. As most of us can only dream of doing, she quits her job and moves to Vail to get a fresh start on life.
While there, Chelsea meets Owen, played by Canadian actor Tyler Hynes, and the two plan a Strudelfest to remind people of the charm of Old Vail. Other familiar faces include Greg Lawson of "Heartland" and Constance Marie of "Switched at Birth."
'Romance in Style'
Hallmark Media/Thomas Fricke
Who's in it: Jaicy Elliot, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Candice Huffine
Hallmark's 2022 progressive film "Romance in Style" stars Jaicy Elliot, best known for her role as Dr. Taryn Helm on "Grey's Anatomy." The actress plays Ella, a freelance designer at a major fashion magazine tasked with bringing Derek, a well-known publishing mogul, up to speed on the industry ahead of him taking over the magazine.
While filling him in, Ella pushes Derek to include plus-size models and fashion in the magazine so she can design clothing for women who look more like her. Despite being complete opposites, Ella and Derek connect over their shared desire for the magazine to succeed. Elliot plays opposite Benjamin Hollingsworth, best known for his roles on "Virgin River" and "Code Black."
'Love Struck Café'
Hallmark Media/Bettina Strauss
Who's in it: Sarah Jane Morris, Andrew W. Walker, Garry Chalk
Megan, an aspiring architect, returns to her hometown after her boss instructs her to convince her childhood mentor to sell her home so they can build a commercialized entertainment center. Given just a few days to achieve this, Megan is torn between progressing her career and honoring the needs of a woman she's known her whole life.
Her task becomes more complicated when she starts working in her family's cafe after her father breaks his leg, and she runs into her high school sweetheart. "Love Struck Café" stars Sarah Jane Morris, best known for her role on "Brothers & Sisters," and Hallmark fan favorite Andrew W. Walker.
'Unthinkably Good Things'
Hallmark Media/Fabrizio Di Giulio
Who's in it: Karen Pittman, Erica Ash, Joyful Drake
Fans love Hallmark's 2022 movie "Unthinkably Good Things" for its heartwarming portrayal of female friendship, incredible wardrobe and complex character. Karen Pittman, who plays Dr. Nya Wallace in "And Just Like That," stars as Allison, whose career and romantic relationships reach a crossroads.
Her friends Reesa and Melina show their support and join her in Tuscany for a rejuvenating girls' trip. While there, the women begin to heal after reexamining their lives and relationships. Erica Ash, whom you may recognize from Netflix's new film "We Have A Ghost," appears as Reesa.
'Two for the Win'
Hallmark Media/Albert Camicioli
Who's in it: Trevor Donovan, Charlotte Sullivan, John Ralston
If you're looking for a movie featuring the ideal winter wonderland, Hallmark's 2021 movie "Two for the Win" has exactly what you're looking for. Network regular Trevor Donovan plays Justin O'Neill, a world-champion skier who travels to his family's ski resort to prepare for an upcoming race. Since he's making a comeback after an injury, Justin is without a coach and gets his childhood friend and local ski instructor Kayla to help him out.
Played by Charlotte Sullivan, Kayla helps her friend regain his confidence on the slopes. However, lines get blurred as they spend more time together, forcing Justin to rethink his goals.
'As Luck Would Have It'
Hallmark Media/Steffan Hill
Who's in it: JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Allen Leech, Niall Buggy
Feeling luck? Hallmark's 2021 movie "As Luck Would Have It" follows the story of Lindsey Johnson, who travels to a coastal town in Ireland. While there, her goal is to acquire a piece of land to develop a hotel resort. The only problem is that the castle sitting on the land is owned by the town council, which refuses to sell it to outsiders.
To make herself a more appealing candidate, Lindsey joins the town's annual matchmaking festival. While engaging in various activities such as soda bread making and knitting, she finds herself falling for more than just the town. JoAnna Garcia Swisher of "Sweet Magnolias" stars opposite Allen Leech of "Downton Abbey" in this beloved romcom.
'The Last Bridesmaid'
Hallmark Media/Ryan Plummer
Who's in it: Rachel Boston, Paul Campbell, Jeremy Guilbaut
Hallmark regulars Rachel Boston and Paul Campbell play opposite each other in "The Last Bridesmaid." Boston plays Becca Foster, a woman who is "always a bridesmaid, never a bride." After she's assigned to be the maid of honor in her 10th wedding, Becca's cousin encourages her to get to know the single and handsome best man.
As the wedding continues, however, Becca gravitates more toward the wedding videographer, played by Campbell. During the reception, the two connect over their creative goals and encourage each other to follow their dreams. However, a misunderstanding may bring their budding romance to a halt.
'All of My Heart: The Wedding'
Hallmark Media/Kailey Schwerman
Who's in it: Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, Heather Doerksen
Last but certainly not least on our list is the final installment of the "All of My Heart" trilogy, "All of My Heart: The Wedding." In this 2018 Hallmark classic, Jenny and Brian prepare for their upcoming nuptials at their shared inn. Their plans turn sour when a distant relative of the woman who left the inn to them shows up, claiming the property should be hers.
To help raise enough money to keep the inn, Jenny starts selling baked goods while Brian considers returning to Wall Street. Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott give a stunning performance in this last, and possibly best, act of their love story.
